Stories From Sweden

This collection features a variety of Swedish folktales, each with unique characters and lessons. The stories range from magical beings and enchanted transformations to moral lessons on loyalty, fate, and the consequences of choices.

Transformation and Curses

Several stories in this collection involve characters who experience transformation or curse-related events. In The Lame Dog, a king’s daughter marries a seemingly lame dog who reveals himself as a prince. Similarly, The Werewolf follows a princess who helps her cursed lover break free from his werewolf form. Another example is The Girl And The Snake, where a girl’s encounter with a snake leads to the revelation of a curse placed on the snake, who later turns into a prince.

Rescue and Heroism

Many stories in this collection center on characters who embark on rescue missions. The Three Dogs and the Mountain Troll tells of a swineherd rescuing three princesses from a mountain troll. In The Princess And The Glass Mountain, a prince must climb a treacherous glass mountain to win the princess’s hand. Faithful And Unfaithful focuses on a young man who, with the help of his magical horse, rescues the queen from a troll.

Trickery and Deception

Trickery also plays a significant role in many of the tales. In The Rooster, The Hand-mill And The Swarm Of Hornets, a peasant is deceived by an old woman, but ultimately retrieves his stolen possessions with the help of hornets. Similarly, Lasse, My Thrall! follows a nobleman who loses and regains his fortune through magical means.

These stories reflect common themes of justice, fate, and the struggle between good and evil.